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Ballyhoura MTB Centre, Cork

Badger Rating 4.2/5

Ballyhoura MTB Centre is the largest mountain bike trail network on the island of Ireland with over 50km of waymarked trails. It offers world-class trails borne out by the fact it played host to the Single Speed World Championship in August 2011.

Getting There

From Dublin take the N7, then M7 south towards Limerick followed by the M8 towards Cork. Exit M8 at Junction 12 taking the second exit at the roundabout onto N73. Continue along the N73 through a number of roundabouts until you come to Kildorrery (after approximately 16km) and turn right onto the R512 Limerick Road. Continue along the R512 for approximately 11.5km before tunring left, signposted Ballyhoura Forest. The car park and trail head is 1km up this road. (Distance from Dublin approx 230km)

Trail Description

The trail system is laid out in 5 coloured loops of varying lengths (6 km to 51 km) each designed and constructed to give you a challenging and rewarding ride. Each loop builds on the previous one and combines a mixture of forest road climbs with fast descents on excellent flowing singletrack. Each trail has plenty of narrow single track, tight turns, north shore and technical sections so bring a spare set of legs. Some of the trails are exposed in places so be prepared for all types of weather.

Facilities at Ballyhoura include toilets, shower facilities (€2 charge), picnic tables, snack machines in the cabin and a bike wash (€2 charge). There is a €5 charge for car parking.

Reviews for this trail

This would easily be the mecca for Irish XC mountain biking, at the moment anyway. From fast and flowing trails to pump style tracks this is a great weekend away, or even a day trip for a quick buzz. With lots of options and some techie bits you will find no shortage of good advise from the guys on site at the car park. Great facilities. I would highly recommend a visit to the trails. Super sweet with hours of single track fun for all ages. The Deeburt House Hotel has great accommodation and secure bike storage, and only a ten minute drive away in Kilmallock..

Jarlath: about 6 years ago

Rating:4.5 badgers

Came down from Co Armagh, arrived and straight on the red trail, nice fast sections and a serious climb towards the end. Well sign posted,good facilities and helpful staff that were friendly and told me how the place was mapped out where the shortcuts home where and even had pictures of the course to show you the kind of technical bits they had. Well impressed would be back again.

NOTE: The trails on this site have been ridden before,
but you should not interpret their inclusion as an indication
that mountain-biking is officially sanctioned on them.
Seeking permission from landowners is your own responsibility,
as is conducting yourself in a manner that is courteous,
respectful to the environment, and conscious of the safety of others.